Interview: Boondock Saints director Troy Duffy

"Boondock Saints" was only marginally successful when it was released in theaters 10 years ago. But the vigilante-justice tale became a hugely popular cult film - mostly by word of mouth - on DVD.

"Boondock Saints" was only marginally successful when it was released in theaters 10 years ago. But the vigilante-justice tale became a hugely popular cult film - mostly by word of mouth - on DVD.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the first film and the DVD release of the sequel, "Boondock Saints: All Saints Day," writer and director Troy Duffy hit the road with stars from the films to party with the fans who made it all possible. On a stop here in Columbus, he spent some time chatting with Alive.

How did the "Boondock Saints" movies come about?

The first one was basically just a product of being your regular victim of crime, and seeing crime all around me in my community and nobody doing anything about it. And the basic feckless nature of law enforcement. There's that kind of blanket frustration that I believe every American feels.

The second one, the fans demanded it. It was kind of suggested there might be a sequel just in the basic story. But when it hit like it did ... we listened up and said let's go.

Did you ever think the first movie would be so successful?

There's just not any way you can say "I'm going to make a cult film" and actually pull it off. Something strange has to happen in its distribution for it to be found organically by an audience.

Why did you decide to go on this tour?

We got the idea because we had this party in Los Angeles and it worked out so well. We rented a tour bus and we've been having a real good time.

I've had so many friends say, "You don't have to do this anymore." Have to? It's awesome. I could be at home sitting on my couch right now watching porn, but I'd much rather be [on the road] with porn. [laughs]

We love doing it because "Boondock" fans are genuine. When people walk up to you in Hollywood and say they love your work, they have no idea what you've done. When "Boondock" fans come up to you, there's no doubt in your mind that this person loves what you did.

Your directing roster so far includes "Boondock Saints" and the sequel. What are your future plans? A third "Boondock" movie?

I'd like to do two movies on other scripts I've written. I'm kind of tossing it up which way to go - I've actually got five. I'd like to get at least two under my belt before we revisit a "Boondock 3" type of situation.

I want to spread my wings a little bit and do something that's not "Boondock," and I actually think I'm going to have to jump a couple levels up in the business in order to attack that movie. It's going to cost some money.

If you're going to do three on something, you're going to have to end with a bang.

What are some of your favorite movies?

Recently I saw "Observe and Report" - it is genius! I also love an English independent film, "Nil by Mouth," directed by Gary Oldman. I figured it was another Gary Oldman, because there's no way one dude can have that much talent. But nope, it was him.